Removable Battery Pack with at least one Switching Element for Interrupting or Enabling a Charging or Discharging Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable battery packs face challenges in reliably determining charging or discharging parameters such as temperature and resistor values independently of charging or discharging currents, which can lead to measurement errors and potential damage due to voltage drops.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a measuring circuit within the battery pack with additional signal contacts and a monitoring unit that controls switching elements to isolate the measuring circuit from the ground potential, using protection elements like diodes to prevent voltage spikes, and ensuring the measuring circuit operates independently of charging or discharging currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measuring circuit is connected to the ground potential through the second contact during charging or discharging, then the measuring circuit can operate with a reference potential, but voltage drops occur that lead to measurement errors and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ground connection path by introducing a switching element that can disconnect the measuring circuit from the common ground potential during charging/discharging operations. This separates the measurement reference path from the high-current power path, eliminating voltage drop interference while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element acts as an intermediary between the measuring circuit and the ground potential. It controls the connection state, allowing the measuring circuit to be isolated from harmful voltage drops during charging/discharging while still providing a reference potential when needed, thus mediating between measurement requirements and power operation safety.
2Ease of operation
If the switching element is used to interrupt charging or discharging current, then current control is achieved, but voltage spikes and drops occur that can damage the measuring circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the switching element open (disconnect) the measuring circuit from the ground potential before the main switching element interrupts the charging or discharging current. This preparatory disconnection prevents voltage spikes and drops from affecting the measuring circuit when current interruption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element provides beforehand cushioning by isolating the measuring circuit from the power path before high-current switching operations. This protective isolation acts as a cushion against voltage transients, preventing damage to the measuring circuit during current interruption events.
3Device complexity
If the measuring circuit shares the ground potential with the power supply contact, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the connection between the measuring circuit and ground potential controllable through a switching element. The connection state changes dynamically based on operating conditions: connected during normal operation for simplicity, and disconnected during charging/discharging to ensure measurement precision, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable battery pack includes an electromechanical interface and a measuring circuit. The electromechanical interface includes a plurality of electrical contacts. A first of the electrical contacts serves as a first power supply contact to which a first reference potential is applied, and a second of the electrical contacts serves as a second power supply contact to which a second reference potential is applied. The electromechanical interface further includes at least one first switching element configured to interrupt or enable a charging or discharging current across the first and second power supply contacts. The measuring circuit is configured to measure integrated components which are integrated in the removable battery pack, via at least one further contact of the electromechanical interface, which further contact is configured as a signal contact or data contact. The measuring circuit is interconnected with the second contact, which is configured as the second power supply contact.